Photo: The Finnish Defence Forces
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The Chiefs of Defence Staff of Finland and Estonia held their annual meeting in Estonia this week, focusing on regional defence cooperation and the security of the Gulf of Finland.
Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen, Chief of the Finnish Defence Command, met with Major General Vahur Karus, Chief of Staff of the Estonian Joint Headquarters, from 9 to 10 July. The visit included high-level talks at Estonia’s Joint Headquarters and a tour of key military sites, including Ämäri Air Base.
The agenda covered the regional security situation, NATO coordination, and ongoing support for Ukraine. Discussions also addressed the practical implementation of bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation.
“The Gulf of Finland is a key area for both our countries, and its defence requires deep cooperation. Together we are stronger,” Virtanen said after the meeting. “We had fruitful discussions and agreed on the next concrete steps.”
Virtanen added that Estonian and allied forces operating in the region had made a strong impression through their professionalism and commitment.
Karus echoed the importance of the growing partnership and Finland’s NATO membership in enabling more integrated defence planning.
“Military defence cooperation between Estonia and Finland is important for both nations and supports each country’s national defence,” Karus said. “Finland’s membership in the alliance enables seamless development of cooperation based on our shared needs.”
The two generals reviewed Estonia’s defence system and were introduced to newly deployed weapons platforms and NATO’s current air surveillance arrangements.
Both sides emphasised the strategic value of their shared maritime region and the need for close coordination in response to evolving security threats.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
